10/24/2012

NIVEA express hydration primer

As modern women, we are bombarded on a daily basis with new amazing products that promise to make us more beautiful and save us some precious morning time. The problem is, with so many 2 in 1 products on the market, how do we know what is an absolute must and what’s just a nice addition?

It seems to me that the beauty world is somewhat undecided when it comes to primer, and it’s a step so many women tend to just overlook because it’s yet another time consuming step in their skin care routine. One might wonder “why do I even need a primer? Isn't moisturizing the same?” and while moisturizing is essential, using a primer helps to smooth out any fine lines and minimize the appearance pores, creates a smooth canvas for your makeup helping it apply better, and keeps your makeup in place all day long, so you don’t need to worry about makeup meltdown on those super busy days.

That’s why NIVEA have come up with the idea to combine a moisturizer and a primer in one product, so that you get the best of both worlds. The express hydration primer contains glycerin, which is a common ingredient in most skin care products because of its fabulous moisturizing properties. But it also has a lightweight texture that sinks in to the skin easily, so your skin won’t look greasy and you can apply your makeup right away.

 

Those of you who have very dry skin or very oily skin may be a little apprehensive, but fear not because this product comes in two different skin type variations so you can tailor it to your skins specific needs. If like me your skin is slightly on the oilier side, then the normal to combination formula with lotus extract will be perfect for you because it keeps the skin looking fresh. If dry skin is your main concern, which can be tricky as most primers tend to be quite mattifying, the dry and sensitive formula is just what you’re looking for because it contains natural almond oil and calendula to help moisturize and calm the skin. It’s just as easy to apply as your regular moisturizer so after cleansing and toning, apply the express hydration primer in circular motions all over the skin, and then go ahead and apply your foundation. You can also use it to give your skin a little boost after a long day, As demonstrated here by the lovely fleur from fleurdeforce.

 



The NIVEA express hydration primer comes in at £4.99 so it’s super affordable and budget friendly for those of us who are running late for a morning class and are on a student budget because you are essentially getting two products for the price of one. But best of all, your helping your skin and makeup look great all day long because this time saving 2in1 step means you can get a few extra minutes of beauty sleep every Morning, and let’s face it, that’s the best beauty trick in the book!



For more information click here

* Sponsored post  

10/12/2012

ROMWE Autumn Kick off sale!

So I wanted to come on here and give all you lovely ladies a little heads up about one of my top online stores fabulous sale. I wear romwe cloths all the time so I can 100% vouch for how nice they are, and they have got some amazing pieces in atm that would be perfect for fall.



So to help us all look chic this autumn, romwe are having a 3 days sale that ends on the 14th of October in which they are offering up to 50% off best selling and new items, and have very kindly created some discount codes for my lovely readers:

Code 1- oct15 (this will save you 15% on orders over $80)
Code 2- oct25 (this will save you 25% on orders over $115)
Code 3- oct35 (this will save you 35% on orders over $155)

These codes are valid till the 15/10/2012 and you can use only one code per order.

So what are you waiting for? get shopping!

-Thesparkleicious-

10/05/2012

Murad oil-control mattifier SPF 15 review!

If like me you suffer from oily skin, finding the right sunscreen can be incredibly difficult as they tend to be very oily and heavy on the skin, and don't make an ideal base for your makeup. Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in ones skin care routine, but also one that most women tend to neglect, but really shouldn't as it helps protect skin from ageing and more importantly, skin cancer.

This Murad wonder really is something else. Not only does it provide an SPF of 15, but it also delivers both UVA and UVB sun protection which are often over looked in your average daily moisturizer so this really is the serious sun protection that we all need, even in our not-so sunny climate. Murad claim that this product will keep your skin matte for up to 8 hours, so that's a pretty bold claim as nothing seems to keep the oil away from my skin for more than a few hours.


This product does have a very classic sunscreen texture because it's pretty thick, but the difference is it's also dry texture, unlike most greasy sunscreens and it leaves your skin feeling matte, in the same way a primer would. Which brings me to my next point, how is it under makeup? I have tested this out by applying it, letting it sink in for a few minutes and then going right ahead and applying my foundation. It does make your makeup stay matte for a good 5 hours or so, which is big for me, but I would suggest you don't wear this under a very thick foundation as it could end up feeling a little heavy on your skin.

The only downside for me with this product is the price. At £37 per 50ml it is very pricey, but it  also is a one of a kind product. It comes in a fresh looking white tube so it's easy to apply and more sanitary than a pot of moisturizer that would require you to dip your fingers in and out.......not a fan of that! I genuinely feel like this moisturizer is one of those "next generation"  oil-control products that unlike what we would use in our teens, has much more science behind it and protects our skin from the number one skin enemy.

For those of you who are interested in reading all about how it works and where you can buy it, be sure to visit the Murad website here http://www.murad.co.uk/oil-control-mattifier-spf-15 and if you have tried any other Murad products, let me know what you like as this has sparked an interest for me...........  

-Thesparkleicious-
*PR sample

10/04/2012

Weight loss update!

About a month or so ago I posted a blog post about the start of my weight loss plan, so I think it's time I updated you on how i'm doing.

I'm not on any particular plan, i'm just doing what works for me (on that note, I am posting weight loss related videos on my channel, such as tips and what I eat so take a look if your interested) and it is really working for me, I'm not weighing myself because I can get a little obsessed, plus my scales are broken so for the first time in my life, i'm going by how my cloths are fitting and how i'm feeling, which did feel rather strange at first, but I do think it has made me have a much more relaxed attitude towards weight loss. For the first time in my life i'm not obsessing about numbers and i'm working out 5 days a week, and having a treat day on the weekend (I'm going to Jamie's Italian for a friends birthday on Sunday and am fully planing on having some of their amazing tiramisu) and am fitting in my "skinny jeans" again, but they could be a little looser....

I'm starting to notice my body shape if coming back, and my face is getting slimmer which i'm super happy about because it was getting a little pudgy.  While getting changed the other day I caught sight of myself in my underwear and I was almost pleasantly surprised. My saddle bags are long handles are still there don't get me wrong, but my shape is back and my waist is smaller and tummy is flatter, and getting dressed in the morning is becoming more of a joy than before because I actually feel nice in my cloths!

Overall, i'm not at my target weight yet, but i'm getting there and i'm feeling very calm and positive about that, and that means more to me than the size of my ass!

-Thesparkleicious-